Welcoming Friends of Wilson Ponds since 1991.

Spring 2020

Welcoming Wilson Pond friends and family this summer will probably include social distancing in place of hugs. I will be very happy to see all of you and chat, even if it is from six feet away!

While we all take measures that will insure our good health and that of our community, it is a wonderful time to social distance on the pond and become familiar with native and invasive aquatic plants. What a great time, for children and adults, to learn how to keep our pond pristine and healthy. A good portion of the newsletter will be dedicated to that goal. We are adding new pages to this site to help identify these plant-y invaders.

This year Lake Stewards of Maine is offering Invasive Plant Patrol training online. This is an excellent opportunity to become a certified IPP person OR just for your own infor­mation. All information can be found on their website www.lakestewardsofmaine.org

Additional resources available locally include: Maine Field Guide to Invasive Aquatic Plants and their look alikes at the Shaw Library. Quick Keys for ruling out Maine’s Eleven Most Unwanted Aquatic Invaders are free for the taking and available at the Shaw Library.

Although Friends had planned to conduct Courtesy Boat Inspections at the public boat launch on Lower Wilson Pond this summer, this plan is now uncertain. We are encourag­ing summer residents and all visitors to conduct their own inspections. It is really a simple process and instructions are here. There is an online video of the process sponsored by the Lakes Environmental Association.

Friends of Wilson Ponds Certified Invasive Plant Patrollers will be conducting a survey at the public boat launch during August. If you would like join us, please contact Kay John­son for details.

Our Annual Meeting and Lunch are unlikely to occur on July 11, 2020. We are planning a Zoom meeting on that date. Please consult our website for details. It is likely that a Lunch Social Event may happen later in the summer or fall depending on Covid-19 guidelines.

The Wilson Ponds harbor many talented and learned folks. Kaethe Weingarten, psychologist, of Teasdale Island on the Lower Pond has provided her article How to Help Yourself in This Time of Crisis . The background is a sooth­ing photo of the Upper Pond by professional photographer, Ruth Ganev, Upper Pond resident. Thank you both for shar­ing with us!

In 1991 the Friends of Wilson Pond Area, Inc. acquired a 150 acre conservation easement on Plum Creek Timber Company's land along the eastern and southern shores of Lower Wilson Pond. This easement guarantees no development within 500 feet of the pond along nearly 3 miles of the shore from Rum Brook to Upper Wilson Pond Thoroughfare - forever.

The Friends of Wilson Pond invite you to become a member to support our mission and help us attain our goals. Annual family membership is only $10.00 and is tax deductible! All are welcome! Please send checks to , FWPA Treasurer, Ruth Ganev, PO Box 454, Greenville, ME 04441